Wagons and horses once used this suspension bridge; today it’s strictly for pedestrians. Before it was built, the only way across the Manuherikia River was by punt - a risky operation when the river was high.

The bridge was opened in 1879 at a cost of £974 ($1,949) and was later sold for £1 ($2.00) to two settlers living across the river.

The bridge fell into a state of neglect and was eventually repaired by a specially formed committee. At this time the bridge was narrowed to foot traffic only.